Tear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tear
[tɪər ]
Definitions
cry
A drop of clear salty liquid secreted by glands in a person's eye when they cry or when the eye is irritated.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tear |
When you describe the act of ripping or shredding something, often causing damage or destruction. This use has a negative connotation.
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| drop |
When mentioning a small amount of liquid, not necessarily from the eye or morning nature, but in a very general sense.
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| dewdrop |
When you are talking about small drops of water that form on surfaces like grass and leaves, typically in the morning.
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| teardrop |
When focusing on the shape or the aesthetic of a tear, often in a poetic or artistic sense.
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Examples of usage
- Her eyes were filled with tears as she watched the sad movie.
- Tears rolled down his cheeks as he listened to the heartbreaking news.
rip
Pull or rip (something) apart or to pieces with force.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tear |
Can also mean to cry. Used to express sorrow or extreme emotions.
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| rip |
Used for tearing something quickly and sometimes violently. Often indicates damage.
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| shred |
Implies tearing into small, thin strips. Often used for documents or materials that need to be destroyed or broken down.
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| rend |
A more dramatic or literary term for tearing something. Often used to describe emotional or violent actions.
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Examples of usage
- He tore the paper in half.
- She tear the fabric to make it shorter.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'tear'
The word 'tear' has a unique history as it can be used as both a noun and a verb. The noun form comes from Old English 'tear', which is related to Old High German 'zahar' meaning 'tear'. The verb form, on the other hand, comes from Old English 'teran', meaning 'to lacerate'. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass both meanings, reflecting the dual nature of tears - both as a sign of emotion and as an action of ripping or tearing something apart.
See also: teardrop, tearful, tearjerker, tears.